Our Care and Services...What to expect

At Spirit of Life under the Care of Sheila Simms Watson, LM and CPM:

Midwifery is an attitude

...about women, about how pregnancy and birth occur, and a view that pregnancy and birth are normal natural events in a woman's life. It is an attitude of giving and sharing of information, about empowerment, and respecting the right of a woman and family to determine where and with whom they desire to birth. It is women helping women. The midwife serves as a guide and guardian to the natural process of pregnancy and giving birth. Midwives intuitively know how to nurture women and how to be “with woman”.

As a midwife, I share with you the knowledge, wisdom and understanding of birth....identifying interferences and variances to this process...supporting women and families during the childbearing years as guide and guardian to this natural process of pregnancy and giving birth. I use the skills that I have learned, as well as the traditional tools of nourishment, herbs, storytelling, simple ritual and unconditional love.

My Philosophy: Learn More»

We offer a full complement of midwifery services:

Sheila Simms Watson, Florida Licensed Midwife (LM) and Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), provides a range of comprehensive services such as personalized prenatal care, natural birth options with a choice of birth place (home and water birth). In addition, she provides pre-conception care and counseling to women that are thinking about becoming pregnant, as well as annual exams and well-woman care for women throughout their life cycles.

Spirit of Life Traditional Midwifery Appointments and Laboratory Test

Availability:'

At Spirit of Life Midwifery, Sheila understands that each pregnancy is different for every woman and therefore provides 24 hour availability to promote the best quality care and outcomes for all of her clients.

Appointments:'

During this visit I will share information about midwifery care and the scope of my practice. This is an excellent opportunity for questions and answers. We will review your choices and options for childbirth. A risk screening may be done to let us know if there are any past or present conditions that may warrant consultation with an obstetrician (OB)

Well Woman Care is comprehensive annual gynecological (gyn) exams for women of all ages with focus on health, preventative health care, fertility education and menopause management. These exams take into account all aspects of the individual’s health needs and include informative discussions about personal health, health history, values, concerns and choices you would like to consider as healthcare options.
Well Woman Care is important during all aspects of a woman’s life. As a woman changes so does the focus on health issues – everything from general health and nutrition to fertility education, healthy pregnancy, labor, childcare, menopause and beyond. The midwifery model of healthcare does not rely on the “healthcare system” but on the individual’s needs. We educate women about their healthcare options so that the right decision is made regarding the individual’s healthcare solutions. Nutritional and herbal products, prescription and non-prescription drugs are all considered as options to enhance general health based on the woman’s need.

Use the links below to learn more about these policies and services
Prenatal Care Visits:
Postpartum Visits:

Laboratory Tests:'

Initial Risk Screen:

A risk screening may be done at that time to let us know if there are any past or present conditions, which may warrant consultation with an OB.

Lab Tests

Lab testing is a recommended part of prenatal care and is offered to all clients. Such tests include: Prenatal Profile, Pap Smear, Gonorrhea/Chlamydia screen, Diabetes screen, repeat blood tests at 28 & 36 weeks. An HIV screen is also recommended. A Sickle Cell screen when indicated. Learn More»

Other tests such as: Ultrasound, Maternal Serum Alpha-fetal Protein, Amniocentesis and GBS screening as offered to all clients. However, these tests are strongly suggested only if medically indicated. Clients with no risk factors can waive these procedures based on an informed decision making process. Learn More»

Spirit of Life Traditional Midwifery Prenatal Care

Prenatal Care Services:'

We will spend a lot of time together during the prenatal visits preparing and getting you read to birth your baby. Explanations of normalcy will be given during prenatal visits, as well, identification of any risk factors or challenges in your pregnancy and how they are managed. Our time together creates a relationship based on mutual trust and respect.

All About this service:'

Use the links below to learn more about these policies and services

Regularly Scheduled Prenatal Check-ups:
The schedule of prenatal visits is as follows:
Managing Your Health Goals:
Family Participation Encouraged:

Typical Prenatal Evaluation:'

Use the links below to learn more about these policies and services

The typical prenatal consists of the standard evaluations: 

In addition to regular checks, you will also have other laboratory tests which are also conveniently drawn within your own home:

Ultrasound:


Lab Tests:

Lab testing is a recommended part of prenatal care and is offered to all clients. Please visit our community useful terms resource for detailed definitions of what these test and other helpful materials for educating yourself and your family. Learn More»

Spirit of Life Traditional Midwifery Labor and Birth Services

Labor - Birth Care & Services:'

At Spirit of Life Traditional Midwifery, Sheila and her team are with you throughout your labor and birth, wherever you choose to birth.
Many women are now opting for home births rather than travelling to their local hospital. We specialize in homebirth.

All about this service:'

Home & Water Births:'

We promote home births for healthy, normal pregnancies as your home is as safe, if not safer than a hospital.

Spirit of Life Traditional Midwifery specializes in home and water births, we can assist you with by providing recommendations for the correct equipment and resources. Women who have water births tend to require less intervention with quicker, easier and more comfortable labors. In addition, it provides a gentler birth for the baby as they appear less traumatized by birth.

With regard to safety, there is no evidence to support that home births are less safe than a hospital. The risks associated with a hospital birth such as infection, less one-to-one care, more medications being administered are often overlooked.

We can discuss the pro's and con's of home and water births with you in more details so that you feel well informed to decide what suits your needs best.

Use the links below to learn more about these policies and services

Why A Home Birth?
Water Birth:
What you will need to have for you Homebirth Supplies & Preparation:
What happens when I go into labor?
What if you are past your due date?

Emergency Care Plan &
Your Birth Team:'

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Your birth team will consist of your...
An Emergency Care Plan is...
Ultrasounds:

Spirit of Life Traditional Midwifery Postpartum

Postpartum Care & Services:'

At Spirit of Life Traditional Midwifery, Sheila and her team are with you throughout your labor and birth, and after the baby is born, we will stay with you for at least 3 hours or until mother and baby are stable and settled. Written and verbal postpartum instructions for the mother and newborn will be given to the parents and any other care givers, after the birth. Postpartum Care: Learn More»

All About this service:'

Use the links below to learn more about these questions

   What Happens after the Baby is born?

Postpartum Care:
Immediate Newborn Care:
Breast Feeding Support:

Spirit of Life Traditional Midwifery has a robust community that supports each other with information, conversation or can be there to just listen when you need it the most. Please be sure to visit our community and join our breast feeding support forum.

New Patient Forms:'

Dear clients,

Thank you for choosing Spirit of Life Traditional Midwifery!
New Patient Forms are available for online completion, download and print. As well you can deliver them on your first visit along with your insurance information. Also, if you have any questions or trouble with the forms we can address that durng your first visit.
All required forms may be obtained here and faxed to me at 305-400-0292 or uploaded via our Secure Zone Sign-In! You will need to register first in order to access this section.

Download or complete forms online!  |   Secure Zone Sign-In!

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Well Woman Care - We provide well woman care to persons that are thinking about becoming pregnant and those who are pregnant. Inquire about our Well Woman Care and Services Submit an Inquiry!